The New Era

Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!

In an instant, the sound of pounding drums filled the world. It drowned out the noise of the City-Protecting Talisman Array's temporary collapse, becoming the only sound in existence.

The strange Fierce Beast linked to the Ninglu Army's million-strong force did not pause. It raised its giant claw high, then slashed down with tremendous force.

Whoosh!!!

A hazy gray beam swept across the sky, and the formation protecting Nanyan City was cleaved in two, its power briefly nullified.

At the same time, five deep fissures appeared across Nanyan City, stretching from east to west. Countless buildings crumbled in an instant, and many people died horrible deaths.

That was one of the prices of the City-Protecting Talisman Array's collapse.

Prefecture Governor's Mansion.

Chen Tai immediately sensed something had gone wrong with the talisman array, but he showed little panic, as if he had already expected this to happen.

He simply issued three orders according to the arrangements he had made in advance:

"First: the Nanyan Army will gather in one place and engage the Ninglu Army in a decisive battle ahead of schedule.

"Second: the various factions may assist the Nanyan authorities as they see fit. They will be compensated afterward according to their contributions.

"Third: the common people of Nanyan City may stay in their homes and await the outcome."

The three orders were very simple, which made them easy to carry out.

"Prefecture Garrison Commander, I can understand telling the common people to keep to themselves and stay home. If they panic, they won't be able to help, and they'll only cause trouble."

A military officer asked, clearly puzzled:

"But was your order to the various factions in Nanyan City too lenient? You let them decide for themselves whether to help us. I